**About the Role:**

- Lead strategic financial management for a school in Rochester.

- Report directly to the Head Teacher and collaborate with the Finance Director.

- Oversee day-to-day financial operations, ensuring alignment with school policies and objectives.

**Responsibilities/Accountabilities:**

**Leadership and Strategy:**

- Guide financial decisions in line with the school's strategic goals.

- Attend leadership team meetings, reporting to governors when necessary.

- Collaborate with the Head Teacher on organizational changes related to pay and conditions.

- Implement school-wide changes and allocate resources based on the school improvement plan.

**Financial Management:**

- Develop and implement a Finance strategy supporting business objectives.

- Coordinate and produce the annual budget in collaboration with budget holders.

- Produce monthly management accounts and ad-hoc reports, ensuring compliance with Group Accounting policies.

- Manage recruitment and contractual changes, preparing reports for inspections and audits.

**Financial Management, Processes, and Controls:**

- Maintain financial ledgers and ensure adherence to finance systems and controls.

- Design and implement effective Finance policies and procedures.

- Oversee invoicing for school fees, manage accounts receivable and payable processes.

- Handle payroll processes, ensuring compliance with regulations.

**Expense Management, Procurement, and Contracts:**

- Review contracts, manage tenders, and lead procurement processes.

- Ensure terms and conditions and key contracts are up to date.

- Act as the key contact for the Group Insurance broker.

**Finance Department:**

- Ensure effective operation of the finance department, delegating tasks as needed.

- Review and supervise the work of Assistant Finance Manager.

- Assist with ad hoc projects and other business matters.

**Qualifications & Training (Desirable):**

- Recognized Accounting Qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or equivalent experience.

- Management experience.

- Experience in a senior finance role.

- Degree or equivalent.

**Skills & Abilities (Desirable):**

- Proven people management skills.

- Strong team player with leadership and motivational skills.

- Ability to build strong relationships quickly.

- Strong IT analysis skills.

- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

- Experience with Xero and Google.

**Other Factors:**

- Capacity to work under pressure and meet deadlines.